Reflections on a Canadian Bill of Economic Rights

Abstract

This paper proposes that if and when attempts are made to write a modern constitution for Canada, thought be given to the inclusion of clauses designed to constrain the legislative power of parliament in the sphere of economics. Balanced budgets, price stability, expropriation of property by price legislation and the absence of government monopolies are suggested as Canadians' economic rights. The paper analyses the origins of the need for such rights and discusses likely difficulties in making the constitutional clauses operational.